Tatcha Kyoto Red Silk Lipstick

Guess who's back?

When I bought my Tatcha Sunrise: A Plum Blossom Limited Edition 23-Karat Gold Illuminated Lipstick (that's a mouthful!) it renewed my regret about not getting Kyoto Red.  Tatcha lipsticks are seasonal limited editions, and at that point I had no idea that Kyoto Red will do a comeback, nor that I'll find it in my mailbox. Imagine my delight when both happened.

The spectacular formula of Tatcha lipsticks is a great reminder of what a luxury lipstick should be. Comfortable, nourishing, beautifully pigmented and with a timeless flattering semi-matte finish that feels weightless and looks just modern enough. It's lipsticky in the best possible way. Kyoto Red is a classic red. In the swatch above you can see that the warmer tone of my arm makes the color lean towards tomato red. My face is cooler (ashier) and my lips have a natural purple tone to them that makes many a red lipstick skew pink, but in this case it becomes a true red.

(I've had the best intentions of creating a makeup look this week featuring this Tatcha lipstick, but on Saturday I had a little accident flying down the stairs with a basket full of laundry and ended up with a sprained left foot. I'm okay, but had to spend the week planted in my seat with an elevated foot and a very cranky mood, and not in front of the mirror, as I do my makeup standing up. I'll make up for it in the next few days, so you'll get to see Kyoto Red on my face soon enough)

The packaging of Kyoto red is beautiful. The case is heavy and snaps close with a satisfying magnetic click. Red lipstick addicts will find it a must-have. It's unscented and unflavored, and the various good-for-you oils keep the lipstick hydrating and create an even coat that doesn't flake or bleed. Like all red lipsticks, Kyoto Red requires keeping your lips in top shape, and like all good red lipstick it wears out evenly, leaving the kind of stain I tried to create in the lower right corner of my swatch. Reapplying is an elegant ritual, since the faceted red bullet in its glossy black case looks gorgeous. Makes me wish Tatcha would have a matching mirror.

Bottom Line: do you even need to ask?

Tatcha Kyoto Red Silk Lipstick ($55, made in Japan) is already in stock at Barneys. Tatcha's website allows you to sign up to get notified of shipping dates, if you prefer to order from them directly.
The product for this review was sent by PR.

Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Mica, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Synthetic Wax, Hexyldecyl Isostearate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate, Candelilla Wax Esters, Ethylene/propylene Copolymer, Sericin (Silk Extract), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Algae Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Glycerin, Water, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Tocopherol, Silica, Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol. [+/- (may contain): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891),  Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 6 (CI 15850), Yellow 5 (CI 19140)].